Here's what it's like at clothing-optional resorts where you don't have to wear pants to dinner and sex-inspired decor is everywhere

• I've been visiting adults-only resorts where clothing is optional for years.
• The shock of seeing naked bodies wears off pretty quickly, and there's a lot of body positivity.

In 2017, I was invited to Temptation Cancún, an adults-only resort with tops-optional areas, with a group of journalists.

Over five days, I ate my body weight in poolside guacamole, made lifelong friendships, and slowly but surely, shed my inhibitions — and bikini top.

It was such a positive experience that helped me feel comfortable with my body and form intimate connections with new people.

Since then, I've made it a point to visit as many sex-positive, clothing-optional resorts as possible. I've since done seven additional vacations, including Temptation Cancún, Desire Pearl, Desire Maya, Hedonism II, and the Temptation Cruise.

Here's what it's really like to party at sex-positive resorts where some clothes are optional.

Every resort has different rules around nudity

Although clothing is at a minimum, each resort I've visited had a slightly different policy around nudity.

Some, like Temptation Cancún, are strictly top-optional, meaning you can go without a bikini top in certain parts of the resort. Others, like Desire Pearl and Maya, allow you to be fully nude at the beach or pool.

At Hedonism II in Negril, Jamaica, there were "prude" and "nude" sides of the resort. On the nude side, removing clothing was mandatory.

Thankfully, on all my trips, people had to wear clothes to the buffet and dining rooms. But the concept of "clothing" is loose.

It's not uncommon to see women in sheer mesh dresses with nothing but a pair of bikini bottoms underneath. Once, I even saw a man in nothing but a hotel bathrobe at breakfast.

The only exception I've found is the 24-hour snack bar at Hedonism II, located on the nude-mandatory side of the resort. I've found plenty of brave, naked vacationers chowing down on piping hot pizza and chicken at all hours of the day.

Seeing so many naked people in one place is only weird at first

I'll never forget the first time I saw a man vigorously applying sunscreen to his genitals at Hedonism II.

But the shock of seeing so many people doing regular resort activities — drinking, applying sun protection, playing table tennis — quickly wore off for me.

Plus, consent and privacy are paramount at these kinds of resorts. In the places I've visited, every guest must sign a contract agreeing to their "ask before you touch" consent policy.

Unless they're close-up selfies, consented to, or don't feature any humans, photos are prohibited at most of these types of resorts. If you violate the policy, you may be removed from the property.

There's also a general refrain among regulars at clothing-optional resorts: "No one knows you, and no one cares."

As long as you're being respectful and playing by the rules, you can quite literally let it all hang out.

Sex-themed decor is everywhere

From erotic artwork and murals to mannequin legs sticking out of the wall, the (often hilarious) sex-themed decor is part of the fun of a clothing-optional resort.

Often, the furniture in the rooms of these resorts is made of materials that can easily be wiped down.

Depending on the resort, your room may also include features like mirrored ceilings (Hedonism II) or erotic murals that give the illusion of other "guests" in your room (Temptation Cancún).

The resorts encourage open attitudes toward different sexualities and preferences

It's not uncommon to meet couples who are swingers or just looking to explore new sexual endeavors with other people.

But if that isn't your thing, it's OK. Like I said, I've found consent to be a priority at these types of resorts.

Depending on the place, you may find a designated "red room" or playroom, where couples can engage in public sex, group play, and BDSM activities.

Pack what you can, but you'll find it all at the gift shop

When it comes to packing, one fun thing I've noticed is that you can easily spot resort regulars by their cups. They're often personalized and may include nicknames or acronyms about what they're into sexually.

But if you're a newbie, whether you're shopping for lingerie, a sexy costume, sex toys, or even Viagra, you'll likely be able to find it at the gift shop.

Like any hotel shop, the prices are pretty high, so it's best to bring your items from home whenever possible.

Theme nights like "lingerie night" or "angels and devils night" are typically a daily post-dinner occurrence, and nearly everyone dresses up in sexy costumes. So be prepared if you're looking to participate.

The food is pretty good, too

People may not visit clothing-optional resorts for the food, but I've had some great meals over the years.

My favorites, so far, are the Sea Flirt breakfast enchiladas at Temptation Cancún and the jerk chicken at Hedonism II.

At Temptation Cancún, couples can also eat at She, a couples-only fine-dining restaurant with an aphrodisiac-infused menu and nightly pole-dancing performances.

The spas usually offer sensual couples massages

Spa massages cost extra and typically involve sensual touch, sexy props, and some "alone time" for you and your partner to connect afterward — usually with bubbly and a private hot tub.

But even if you're not traveling with a partner, don't sleep on the spas at clothing-optional resorts. They're worth a visit.

In particular, I'm a fan of the massages and hydrotherapy circuit at Temptation Cancún.

I've grown to love the body positivity and amazing community vibe of these resorts

One of the most powerful things about these vacations — and why I keep coming back — is the body positivity. It's easy to let go of your insecurities when you see people of all body types having a great time au natural.

The other best part about going to a clothing-optional resort is the people I've met. When clothes are removed, so are conversational barriers.

It's so easy to meet new people in places like these, and I've had many deep, thoughtful conversations with strangers-turned-friends while naked in the pool.

Clothing-optional resorts aren't for everyone, but I'm grateful for my experiences. Removing my bikini has given me a deeper appreciation for my own body and unforgettable stories for days.